Black History Is Queer History: Honoring Black History Month
A Word from Folx with Faith
At Folx with Faith, we recognize Black History Month beyond just a commemoration of the past. February is an invitation to listen more deeply, to honor lived experience, and to amplify the wisdom of Black LGBTQ+ voices.
One way we have decided to practice solidarity is by intentionally uplifting Black-led spaces, creators, and educators who are already doing the work of storytelling, spiritual reflection, cultural preservation, and liberation. This month, we want to share a small collection of Black-operated, queer-centered resources we encourage you to explore, learn from, and support.
Black History is Queer History
Black history and queer history are not separate stories running parallel to one another. They are intertwined.
From the civil rights movement to contemporary movements for justice, Black queer and trans people have been organizers, artists, theologians, healers, visionaries, and truth-tellers. To honor Black history is to honor the fullness of Black experience, including queer, trans, and gender-expansive lives.
Liberation that excludes parts of ourselves is not liberation at all.
Featured Black Queer Resources
Below are several Black-led and Black-operated resources offering insight, education, creativity, and care. This list is not exhaustive. Instead, we wanted to offer an invitation to our readers to explore.
Black Queer History and Archives
01
BlackPast
A Black-led educational resource dedicated to providing reliable, accessible information on the history of African Americans and people of African ancestry around the world. Through its commitment to “reclaiming and restoring,” BlackPast intentionally centers histories that have been marginalized or silenced, including Black LGBTQ+ stories, with the goal of fostering understanding, equity, and meaningful social change.
Black LGBT!+ History
02
16 Queer Black Trailblazers (NBC News)
NBC Out’s article “Black History Month: 17 LGBTQ Black Pioneers Who Made History” highlights Black LGBTQ+ leaders whose contributions to civil rights, culture, politics, and community have often been overlooked or erased. The piece affirms that Black queer and trans people have always been central to Black history, shaping movements and culture across generations.
NBC Article
03
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the health, safety, and empowerment of Black LGBTQ+/SGL people. Their advocacy, policy work, and education efforts address systemic inequality at the national level.
NBJC Website
04
GLBT Historical Society (Black Voices & Activism)
Black Voices in Activism, is a curated primary source set highlighting the leadership, organizing, and lived experiences of Black LGBTQ+ activists. This collection centers original documents, oral histories, and archival materials that illuminate how Black queer and trans people have shaped movements for justice, visibility, and liberation across generations.
Black Voices & Activism
05
GLBT Historical Society (Black Voices & Activism)
Black Voices in Activism, is a curated primary source set highlighting the leadership, organizing, and lived experiences of Black LGBTQ+ activists. This collection centers original documents, oral histories, and archival materials that illuminate how Black queer and trans people have shaped movements for justice, visibility, and liberation across generations.
Black Voices & Activism
06
National Museum of African American History & Culture (LGBTQ+ Objects in the NMAAHC Collection)
NMAAHC curated LGBTQ+ collection that highlights the lives, activism, and cultural contributions of Black LGBTQ+ people throughout U.S. history. Through artifacts, stories, and archival materials, this collection affirms that Black queer and trans experiences are an essential part of African American history and heritage.
NMAAHC
Spirituality, Mysticism & Theology
01
Black Modern Mystic
Founded by Tamice Spencer-Helms, Black Modern Mystic explores spirituality, theology, and social transformation through a Black queer lens. Tamice’s work weaves mysticism, activism, leadership development, and soulful inquiry, offering thoughtful resources for those seeking a faith that is honest, expansive, and liberating.
Resource & Podcast Website
Substack
The Founder of Black Modern Mystic, Dr. Tamice Spencer Helms, will be joining us the March Folx with Faith gathering. They will be sharing with us and facilitating a discussion on Social Transformation.
Register for the Event
02
Second Sunday
Second Sunday is a podcast where Black queer people share honest, often humorous stories about finding, keeping, and sometimes losing faith in relation to the Black church. Hosted by Darren and Esther, the show explores spirituality, culture, and identity with care, curiosity, and candor. Pride in the Pews
Podcast Website
03
Pride in the Pews
Pride in the Pews centers the wellness and faith experiences of Black LGBTQ+ people impacted by church harm. Their work includes storytelling, research, and resources that support healing, accountability, and transformation within faith communities.
Resource Website
Storytelling, Writing & Creative Expression
01
The Reckoning
The Reckoning is a publication by and for Black LGBTQIA+ people, focused on storytelling, news, and cultural reflection. It centers Black queer voices in conversations about justice, community, and everyday life. Counter Narrative Project
Podcast Website
02
Black Girl Dangerous (BGD)
Conversion Therapy Survivor Network is a survivor-led nonprofit that connects people harmed by conversion therapy and identity suppression efforts, offering community, understanding, and support rooted in shared lived experience.
BGD Website
Cultural Commentary
01
The Read
The Read is a long-running podcast offering sharp, funny, and insightful commentary on Black culture, politics, and current events. Hosted by Black queer voices, it blends critique and care with unapologetic honesty.
Podcast Website
02
Counter Narrative Project (CNP)
In addition to its written work, Counter Narrative Project produces podcasts and media that amplify Black LGBTQ+ perspectives. These conversations center storytelling as education, resistance, and community building.
CNP Website
Mutual Aid, Advocacy, and Community Care
01
The Okra Project
The Okra Project is a Black trans-led mutual aid collective providing direct support to Black trans people. Their work focuses on meeting immediate needs while affirming dignity, care, and community resilience.
Okra Project Website
02
For the Gworls
For the Gworls raises funds to support Black trans people facing housing insecurity and financial hardship. Rooted in mutual aid, their work prioritizes survival, safety, and collective care. National Black Justice Coalition
For The Gwols Website
Continuing the Practice Beyond February
Honoring Black queer history is not a once-a-year activity. It is an ongoing spiritual practice of listening, learning, unlearning, and showing up with humility.
We encourage you to:
- Read and share Black queer writing
- Support Black-led organizations and creators
- Engage in continuing education and reflective practice
- Honor lived experience as sacred wisdom
Being queer is an innate identity, but liberation work is a lifestyle choice! It is something we return to, again and again.
From Folx with Faith
At Folx with Faith, we remain committed to cultivating spaces where LGBTQ+ people can explore spirituality, community, and belonging with honesty and care. We believe that faith rooted in justice, love, and lived experience has the power to transform individuals and communities alike.
Upcoming Events
Folx with Faith hosts monthly hybrid gatherings. We meet both in the Kansas City metro area and online creating inclusive spaces for reflection, connection, and spiritually conversation.
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February: In this gathering, AJ Stutzer guides a reflective, discussion-based exploration of honoring our relationships with animal companions as part of our chosen family.
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March: Join Folx with Faith for a gathering with Dr. Tamice Spencer-Helms, author and host of Black Modern Mystic, as they explore faith, grief, resistance, and spiritual survival through the lens of theoactivism and Black queer spiritual wisdom.
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April: Jay Pryor brings New Thought spirituality into conversation with transformational leadership, inviting participants to explore personal power, authenticity, and conscious change amid burnout and transition.
How You Can Support Our Mission?
You can help us fulfill our mission by donating to Folx with Faith or starting a local group. It is our mission to create safe spaces to explore and experience spiritual wholeness. Folx with Faith supports the queer community, fostering a celebration of our authentic beings and empowering us to make a difference in the world. If you would like to contribute to this mission or would like to start a local chapter, please let us know. You can contact us or use the links below.
Have a question? Feel free to contact us. You can also sign up for our Newsletter to get the latest from Folx with Faith!
Find or start a local group.
Inclusive Communities
Our A New Thought on Gender course supports leaders in understanding the lived experience of trans and gender-expansive people so they can create safer, more affirming spiritual environments.
Places of Belonging
Belonging is created through intention, education, and the willingness to transform outdated systems. This course equips leaders with tools to build structures, language, and practices that welcome people fully as sacred expressions of the Divine.
Embrace Your Style
The course is fully self-guided, allowing learners to move at their own pace while engaging with video lessons, reflections, and practical tools. Featuring leading voices like Chris Paul “Rainbows” Farias, Ben Greene, Rev. Dr. Christie Love, Rev. Jacquie Fernández, and James Masters, LUT. These materials blend personal story, research, theological clarity, trauma informed ministry, and best practices for trans-affirming ministry.
